so are you for or against having shoes 'properly fitted'?
I'm for using shoes that fit properly 
To try and answer your question, I don't believe even the best shoe fitter in the world can pick off the shelf the perfect shoe every time in a 30min or so 'fitting'.
I think the person in the best position to fit you a pair of shoes is yourself. Though this takes understanding of the different gates and how shoes are designed to work with these, then comparing this to how you run and what you want from a shoe.
This takes time, experience and often buying the wrong pair of shoes once or twice. This is where the 'fitter' service comes in.
In the majority of cases a knowledgeable fitter will be able to recommend a shoe that works. It may not be the best, but it will more often than not be suitable. Thus avoiding the situation of buying the wrong shoe. And they are a substitute for gaining your own knowledge and experience - perfect for the beginner/novice.
Obviously this doesn't always work. There will be times when the fitter gets it wrong - maybe lack of knowledge, not enough info from the runner, miss communication or they just couldn't care.
You'll find most club runners, once they have found a shoe/brand that suits them they stick to it. The price is not the leading factor, if cheap shoes work then lucky you. Doesn't mean buying expensive shoes is wrong.
